HMS FERTILE VALE - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The HMS Fertile Vale, an old drifter sunk in 1941, really is a cracker of a dive for the Scottish East Coast. At only 8 metres, it’s a brilliant introduction to wreck diving here, especially if you usually stick to the warmer stuff. We love the way the ship’s structure is still largely intact, despite sitting on the seabed for so long. You can trace the outline of the vessel easily, seeing where the deckhouse would have been, and parts of the hull still stand proud. It’s not just a pile of rubble; there’s a real sense of its former life. Our favourite part is poking around the bow, where the anchor chain still lies, now completely encrusted with dead man's fingers. Ling often hide out here, and you’ll spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the plates. The visibility can be hit-or-miss, as with much of the UK, but on a good day, the green light filters through, illuminating the anemones and soft corals that have colonised every surface. It’s a proper historical piece, perfectly suited for new wreck divers or photographers wanting to capture that moody, North Sea vibe. Just keep an eye on the tides; the currents here can be surprisingly brisk, even at this shallow depth.

Location

Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

56.435997, -2.656520

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

8m

Marine Protected Area: Tayport - Tentsmuir Coast